Lighting is very important when it comes to making your house look beautiful. Lights and lamps also serve a functional purpose. There is more to buying a table lamp than grabbing the first one you think looks pretty. You also need to think about your needs. You should consider size, color, scale, function and wattage. Even your own height is important! Your choice of table lamp depends on what you want the lamp for. Is it for dining and entertaining? Is it for reading or working? Or just for some extra lighting? These tips should help you choose the best table lamp for your needs.
Size
If you want a table lamp as a decorative accent or for general illumination (ambient light) pretty much any size will be fine, as long as it will suit the room. If you plan to use the lamp for reading, you should bear this in mind when choosing one. Reading by the light of a small ornamental lamp can be very frustrating and not good for your eyes! If you want a mini lamp, or indeed several, there are plenty of affordable ones on offer. Two matching lamps either side of a bed can look great and bedside lamps don’t need to be huge. Large table lamps look stunning in a spacious dining room or sizable lounge.
Height
If you want the lamp next to a sofa or chair, the base of the shade should be level with the seated person’s ear. This prevents the bulb from shining directly into their eyes. It is a good idea to measure the height of the table you plan to put the lamp on before buying it. Think about where the shade is going to go – do you want a table lamp to illuminate the whole table or just something to give some subtle lighting in a certain part of the room? You can choose the bulb wattage but different table lamps accept different bulb wattages so bear this in mind too before you make a purchase.
Color and Style
You can buy lamps in just about any color or style these days. Matching your table lamp to your décor is a good idea. If you have, for example, a peach colored room, a peach tone of table lamp can introduce a beautiful accent and blend into the décor. If you favor the antique look, a Tiffany style lamp can look attractive. Tiffany lamps were popular in the 1970s and are making a big comeback now, thanks to their timeless style. They are now more refined in terms of color and design and more affordable in today’s economy.
You can choose from fringed lampshades, plain fabric lampshades, glass fibers and many more designs. It is worth taking as much time as you need to select the perfect one.
For something a little more modern, how about a traditional desk lamp or something quirky, like a lamp with the sun, moon and stars on? You can get copper-based lamps, gold effect lamps, silver lamps and many more types. Your table lamps should match both your personality and requirements.
Table lamps are the most common type of lamps and because there are so many options, you should easily be able to find the perfect ones for you and your home. Professional decorators and homeowners agree that with the right lighting, especially table lamps, a room can be transformed and made truly comfortable and beautiful.
